Mankulam (Idukki): The first day of the Malayalam month of ‘Chingam’ is observed as the farmers’ day in Kerala. But this time, the deluge has turned everything upside down and put the farmers in distress.

The crops were destroyed in the heavy rain causing huge loss. Many of the farmers were expecting to overcome the losses of previous flood through the Onam sales this year. But the flood repeated and only multiplies their losses.

Cultivation in 31,015 hectares of land in the state was destroyed in the rain havoc till August 14. The crops of 1.21 lakh farmers were destroyed and a loss of Rs 1166.42 crore is recorded.

Paddy cultivation was mostly affected in the flood havoc. About 62.8 percent of the total loss was caused to paddy. More incidents of crop loss were reported in Palakkad and Alappuzha. Due to this, paddy production will be meagre this year.

After paddy, banana is the second most affected crop. Banana plantations in 5204 hectares of land was destroyed. This includes 95.8 lakh fruit bearing banana plants. As a result, shortage of banana will be experienced during Onam season and the price also will escalate.

The compensation for farmers for the last year’s flood is not fully distributed yet. Rs 160 crore was distributed and Rs 80 crore is yet to be given. More than 3.88 lakh farmers had lost their crops during last year’s flood.

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